| 12 | 16 | | |
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| 13 | 17 | | |
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| 14 | 18 | | |
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| 15 | 19 | | WHEREAS, Willing Warriors, a nonprofit organization based in Haymarket, provides opportunities for Wounded Warriors to relax and spend time away from a hospital or treatment center while recovering from a wide range of injuries and conditions; and |
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| 16 | 20 | | |
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| 17 | 21 | | WHEREAS, Willing Warriors traces its roots back to when United States Air Force veteran Shirley Dominick and her husband, John, were volunteering at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and realized that wounded service members may often spend weeks, months, or years in a hospital setting during treatment; and |
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| 18 | 22 | | |
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| 19 | 23 | | WHEREAS, Shirley and John Dominick established Willing Warriors in 2012 to create opportunities for Wounded Warriors to participate in activities or simply relax and heal in a comfortable, home away from home atmosphere; and |
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| 20 | 24 | | |
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| 21 | 25 | | WHEREAS, Willing Warriors purchased land with a home which was completely renovated by the community and hosted its first Wounded Warrior family in 2015; and |
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| 22 | 26 | | |
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| 23 | 27 | | WHEREAS, recovering service members stay on the property with up to nine family members, friends, and battle buddies and have opportunities to participate in dozens of activities, including massage therapy, canine support services, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and five-star meals prepared by visiting professional chefs; and |
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| 24 | 28 | | |
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| 25 | 29 | | WHEREAS, Willing Warriors supports active duty service members recovering from injuries and illnesses, as well as veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder or other long-term conditions related to their military service with cost-free respite stays and programs; and |
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| 26 | 30 | | |
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| 27 | 31 | | WHEREAS, Willing Warriors opened additional retreat homes in 2018 and 2024 and has served more than 2,600 recovering service members over the course of its history; now, therefore, be it |
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| 28 | 32 | | |
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| 29 | 33 | | RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Willing Warriors on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the opening of its first retreat home; and, be it |
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| 30 | 34 | | |
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| 31 | 35 | | RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Willing Warriors as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for its compassionate care and service to veterans and their families. |
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